Very Narrow Aisle Training
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VNA training
Become fully licensed to operate
Our mission is to deliver top-notch VNA training, producing highly skilled operators ready to apply their training in the workplace. We believe in challenging our trainees to bring out their best, and we achieve this by delivering our sessions in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.
Our VNA courses include both classroom-based theory lessons and practical sessions using the counterbalance truck. These courses follow the guidelines and timings set out by ITSSAR and adhere to the Health and Safety Commission’s Approved Code of Practice, ensuring that employers meet their legal obligations to provide adequate training for all VNA operators.
At South Coast Forklift Training, we recognize that everyone has different learning preferences. Therefore, our courses incorporate a variety of techniques to cater to all learners. We use forklift models, videos, PowerPoint presentations, worksheets, and handouts to keep everyone engaged. Each lesson concludes with questions to ensure all information is understood.
The theory work builds gradually, allowing time to absorb the information before moving to the next stage. Practical lessons are demonstrated, and trainees are given ample time to practice under close supervision.
Each course culminates in three stages of testing:
- Theory Test – 25 questions with an 80% pass rate.
- Pre-use Inspection Test – Ensuring the truck is safe to use.
- Practical Skills Test – A timed and scored test involving various manoeuvres that must be completed safely.
While the word “test” can be intimidating, we are here to guide trainees through each section.
The very narrow aisle lift truck
Fast stock rotation
A very narrow aisle (operator-up) lift truck or forklift truck, often shortened to just VNA, is one of the most high-tech trucks you’ll find in a warehouse. Their role may be limited to palletised stock rotation, but they excel at this task.
These incredible machines can reach heights of up to nineteen meters, with the operator in the cab at this height. They are powered by AC motors that provide regenerative power during braking and lowering. Some models are free-roaming, while others are designed for narrow aisles with in-aisle guidance systems.
There are two main types of guidance systems:
- Wire Guidance: Uses an inductive wire buried in the floor and sensors on the truck.
- Mechanical (Rail) Guidance: Employs rollers on the side to guide the truck.
These systems eliminate the need for steering in stacking aisles. When engaged with these guidance systems, most trucks offer diagonal driving to reduce travel times and costs.
Extra functions include automated warehouse navigation, positioning aids, and cameras. Picking orders can be sent to the machine via radio data.
Their rated capacity is around 1 - 1.6 tonnes.
In case of a malfunction at height, these trucks are equipped with emergency lowering systems, operated from ground level to bring the cab and operator back down. If lowering isn’t possible and an operator needs to get down, a rope evacuation system is employed.
Operator comfort is a key design consideration. Since operators may spend entire shifts in the cab, trucks are equipped with overhead lighting, fans, height-adjustable controls, and various storage compartments to enhance comfort.
Safety is paramount. Presence actuators ensure that operators’ limbs remain inside the cab while the machine is in motion. In-aisle pedestrian detection systems automatically detect pedestrians and objects, alerting the operator.
The trucks are powered by lead-acid or lithium-ion batteries and are charged from a separate charging cabinet.
VNA TRAINING FROM A COMPANY THAT CARES
VNA (Operator Up) Course Specifications
Machine:
Very Narrow Aisle (Operator Up)
Category:
F1
Specification:
Operator-Up
Accrediting Body:
Independent Training Standards Scheme & Register (ITSSAR)
Maximum Ratio:
3 : 1 : 1 (3 operators, 1 instructor, 1 machine)
Duration:
Novice - 1 operator = 3 days, 2 operators = 4 days, 3 operators = 5 days
Experienced - 1 operator = 2 days, 2 operators = 2 days, 3 operators = 3 days
Safety Refresher - 1 operator = 1 day, 2 operators = 1 day, 3 operators = 1 day
Conversion - contact us
Cost:
Contact us
COURSES DESIGNED TO DELIVER RESULTS
VNA Course Breakdown
The following list is the elements that make up a novice very narrow aisle (operator up) course. For experienced operators, safety refresher and conversion courses the list would be shorter.
- Course induction
- The need and reasons for training and statutory requirements (HASAWA 1974 etc.)
- Introduction to equipment/control familiarisation/principles of operation
- Identification/use/adjustment of attachments in pre-determined positions including forks
- Recommended mount and dismount
- Introduction to motive, steering controls and practice
- Basic steering exercises – simple courses
- Advanced steering exercises – figure of 8/chicane/90° approaches
- Battery charging procedures/maintenance
- Operator safety code and relevant handout
- Daily pre-use inspections
- Engineering principles/rated capacity/stability
- Simple hydraulics (theory)
- Introduction to hydraulic controls, handling empty pallets low-level
- Load types/handling and weight assessment
- Stacking/de-stacking at low, medium and high levels on industrial racking*
- Stacking/de-stacking at low, medium and high levels bulk stacks*
- Stacking/de-stacking at low, medium and high levels cup post pallets*
- Manoeuvring with loads/ramps and inclines/handling awkward loads*
- Relevant safety film
- Vehicle loading and unloading (theory)*
- Vehicle loading and unloading (practical)*
- Multi-choice theory test
- Pre-use inspection test
- Practical skills test
* To be covered where relevant to operation or facilities permit
WHATEVER YOUR LEVEL, WE HAVE YOU COVERED
From in-depth beginners to safety refresher courses
Accredited very narrow aisle truck training
All courses are ITSSAR accredited and therefore recognised throughtout your industry.
Novice VNA training
For trainees with little or no previous experience operating a VNA truck.
Experienced VNA training
Where candidates have relevant, recent experience but, have not received any kind of approved training.
VNA refresher training
Periodic VNA refresher training is for experienced operators who hold an accredited certificate.
VNA conversion training
Where operators already hold a lift truck certificate on a similar machine and wish to qualify on a VNA (operator up) truck.
Delivering the best for your buisiness
Our courses are designed to achieve results
On-site VNA truck courses
Every VNA course we deliver is carried out on our customer’s premises. This approach gives trainees the advantage of being trained and tested on a machine familiar to them, eliminating the need for re-learning on a different truck after the initial training. Upon completing this very narrow aisle (operator-up) course, operators will know how to use these machines safely and efficiently.
We are pleased to offer bespoke training programmes tailored to your business requirements. We will always work around your needs and environment to minimise disruption.
Facilities required
Firstly, and most importantly, to carry out your forklift training, we will need the use of your very narrow aisle (operator up) truck. Also, an area where we will not be disturbed, with ample space to carry out basic manoeuvres and testing. Pallets and realistic loads appropriate to your business are useful - the instructor will bring a selection of traffic cones. For the theory lessons, we need sufficient space for the instructor and the trainees to work. A small office with a table, chairs and power will suffice.
All forklift operators are required to wear safety boots and any other personal protective equipment as per the company's internal risk assessments. We supply hi-visibility vests.
If unsure about any of the above, contact us to discuss.
VNA licence certificates
On completion of this very narrow aisle training, drivers are fully licensed to operate this category of truck. The qualification is nationally recognised and accepted throughout the industry.
They will also receive the following:
- An A4 ITSSAR approved VNA certificate of basic training*
- A plastic photo identification card*
- A written assessment of strengths and weaknesses*
Additionally, operators are entered or edited onto ITSSAR’s TOPS (Trained Operator Passport Scheme) database for future reference.
*There is no additional charge for these
Five-star aftercare
Our service doesn't end with your training. At South Coast Forklift Training, we pride ourselves on our aftercare. It is what sets us apart from the competition and one of the many reasons our clients return to us. If you need us we are always here to answer any questions and offer advice.
In addition to this, after completing our training courses, clients receive:
- Advance warning when refresher training is due
- All relevant Health and Safety documentation
- Refuelling/recharging poster
- Seven-day pre-use inspection checklist
- An authorisation to operate lift trucks form
- Employer's training record form
APPROVED FORKLIFT LICENCES AND CERTIFICATES
Other Accredited Training Courses
Counterbalance Training
The counterbalance forklift is what most people think of when talking about forklift trucks. They are by far the most common fork trucks in use in the world today. Their versatility means they are useful both inside and outside.
Telehandler Training
No building site or farm is complete without a rough terrain, telescopic truck. With large tyres and high ground clearance, there aren't many locations they can't work in. Some come equipped with legs for increased stability.
Reach Truck Training
The reach fork truck is a common sight in most warehouses. They have great manoeuvrability and the ability to reach into warehouse racking. Usually chosen when height, rather than weight is the main purpose of use.
Professional Courses Our Customers Love
We look forward to working with you
Professional Instruction
ITSSAR accredited courses
Cost Effective
Premium service for less
Fully Insured
Public liability & indemnity
Easy Booking
Simple application process
No wonder our clients keep coming back
Feedback from our trainees
"Very informative and varied. Covered all aspects of the course."
PJ, West End, Southampton, Hampshire
"Well presented. Took time to explain and was happy we understood."
ML, Portsmouth, Hampshire
"Friendly and professional. Instructor was supportive and made it fun."
CD, Havant, Hampshire
How many forklift categories are there?
There are currently over 40 industrial fork truck groups. To use any of the lift trucks in these groups an operator must be trained, tested and authorised (by their employer).